Premium Walking and Hiking Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea)





Hike Jordan's unique landscapes and explore the country’s inspired history and delicious cuisine
Journey through Jordan on an eight-day Premium walking and hiking adventure through ancient cities and desert terrains with a knowledgeable local leader by your side. Watch the sunset over the Dead Sea, hike the trails of Wadi Shueib and the Dana Biosphere Reserve and enter Petra via the scenic ‘Back Door’ trail, originally an ancient trading route once used by the Nabataeans. Learn about Jordan’s ancient cities, rock-carved tombs and monasteries. Hike past the iconic Monastery (Ed-Deir) and Treasury (Al-Khaneh) in Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), spend a night in a deluxe Bedouin desert camp in Wadi Rum and wander through Jerash – once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world.
Start: Amman, Jordan
End: Amman, Jordan
- Duration
- 7 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Premium
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Walking & trekking
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Our best hand-picked accommodation and the highest level of service
The must-see highlights, plus authentic experiences only available on Premium trips
Trips led by our most experienced and top-rated local leaders
Why you'll love this trip
- Enjoy a Feature Stay in Jordan’s sustainable Feynan Eco-Lodge in Dana Biosphere. The night views here are equally as stunning as in the day.
- Experience Petra in a way few tourists do, with a guided ‘back door’ hike into the site from Little Petra, passing the Monastery and the Treasury along the way.
- Spend the night at your Feature Stay at the deluxe Saraya Rum Camp, explore the surrounds by jeep and enjoy a unique sunset sand dune ceremony and local wine with your Bedouin guide.
- Enjoy the best of local Jordanian food, wine and hospitality as your leader introduces you to traditional dishes at local cafes and restaurants. Learn about Jordan’s food culture, where sharing meals and dining out are central to daily life.
- Walk the As-Salt City Harmony Trail for an insight into local life and the religious accord that makes Jordan a unique destination in the Middle East.
Itinerary
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel, where your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts or sit down at a local cafe and enjoy a coffee or ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats). After your meeting, you’ll head to the acclaimed Fakhr El-Din restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a big part of Jordanian culture and eating out is always a social affair. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes like kibbeh nayeh (a dish made with ground lamb or beef mixed with spices and olive oil) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).
- Intercontinental Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Dinner
- Amman - Welcome Dinner at Fakhr El-Din Restaurant
- Amman - Citadel (entrance) - JOD3
- Amman - Roman Theatre - JOD2
- Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) - JOD2
- Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - JOD3
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, you’ll drive to Wadi Shueib – a Neolithic (New Stone Age) archaeological area. Today you’ll hike through the ruggedly scenic valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, low ochre-hued hills and surprisingly lush vegetation towards the city of As-Salt. When you arrive, sit down for a traditional lunch and hear the inspiring story of local icon Umm Mohammad Amayreh. Then, continue walking through the city streets on the As-Salt City Harmony Trail and learn about the local life and religious harmony renowned to this city. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the shores of the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the density makes swimming very difficult (but bobbing on the water's surface is a fun experience!). When you arrive, set off on a short hike with an expert local guide around the Zara Cliff and watch the sunset over the Dead Sea. Then, travel back to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening on the hotel’s beachfront or maybe take a dip in the infinity pool.
- Movenpick Dead Sea or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- As-Salt - Cultural lunch with Umm Mohammad Amayreh
- As-Salt - Harmony Trail Guided Walk
- As-Salt - Wadi Shuaib Guided Hike
- Dead Sea - Local-led Zara Cliff Guided Walk
Your hiking distance today will be approximately 11.5 km or 3.5 hours, Ther Wadi Shueib section is moderately undulating with around 260m/850ft of elevation gain. The Zara Cliff walk is rated as easy, with minimal elevation gain.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast, you’ll travel inland to Jordan's unique Dana Biosphere Reserve. The scenic drive through Ghor Fifa is spectacular as the ever-changing landscape throws up one amazing view after the other. When you arrive at Dana, it’s time to lace up your walking boots before setting off on a longer hike through Jordan's largest biosphere reserve of desert plains, mountain ridges, steep-sided wadis and shrubs. As you hike, take in the varied landscape as it changes from limestone to sandstone to granite, before arriving at the tiny hamlet of Wadi Feynan – home to Jordan’s premier sustainable Feynan Eco-Lodge and your Feature Stay for tonight. This candle-lit lodge is an ideal antidote to city life and the perfect place to relax after today’s walk – just birds chirping, the sun rising over the mountains and a sky of endless stars - the perfect place to relax after a solid day's hiking.
- Feynan Eco Lodge or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dana Biosphere Reserve - Dana to Feynan Guided Hike
Your hiking distance today will be approximately 12 km or 6 hours. The hike is moderately undulating with around 160m/550ft of elevation gain.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
This morning, say goodbye to the peaceful surrounds of Feynan and hop into a 4WD for a short transfer to the nearby village where you’ll meet your driver for the journey to Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. When you arrive, wander through the rock-hewn remains of Little Petra (Siq Al Barid) at your own pace before setting off on the ‘Back Door to Petra’ hike - the perfect way to avoid an uphill 900 step hike. Starting in the village of Umm Sayhoun, you’ll follow the ancient trading route path once used by the Nabataeans, winding through dramatic desert landscapes before arriving at Petra’s famed Monastery (Ed-Deir). Similar in design to the Treasury, but far bigger, this is an incredible first view of what lies below. Take in the incredible view over a drink at a local Bedouin cafe, then enjoy a downhill hike along the ancient rock-cut path, stopping frequently to take in the views of the rose-red city monuments in the basin below. As the trail levels out, you’ll continue through Petra, passing by the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – perhaps the most iconic sight in all of Jordan – before heading out through the main gate. Tonight, perhaps experience Petra by night – watching the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays in the night air.
- Petra Moon Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Petra - Little Petra archaeological site
- Petra - Petra archaeological site
- Petra - Petra back trail Guided hike (Inc. the Monastery & Treasury)
Your hiking distance today will be approximately 10 km or 5 hours. The hike is rated as moderate, with around 375m/1230ft of elevation gain.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
The optional activity Petra by Night runs from Sun to Thu, beginning at 8.30 pm from the Petra Visitor Centre and finishing back at the Visitor Centre around 10.30 pm. Please check your departure date if you are planning to book this activity, as it is not available on all departures.
Lace up your boots and head back to Petra today to further explore this incredible ancient city. Having seen the Monastery yesterday, you’ll now have more time to explore the hundreds of rock-cut tombs, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets. Join your leader on a guided hike up the winding stone staircases of the Al Madras Trail to the High Place of Sacrifice, one of the tallest locations in Petra and home to stunning views over the entire region. If you don’t mind heights, maybe climb the steps of the Al-Khubtha Trail for panoramic views over the Treasury from above.
This afternoon you’ll travel to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon – a protected desert landscape of sandstone mountains, narrow canyons and rock arches. When you arrive, jump in a 4WD and journey into the heart of the desert with your Bedouin hosts. arriving at your second Feature Stay at the comfortable desert camp accommodation. Think high-end permanent tents with air con and private ensuite western bathroom facilities. Get settled in, then head out on a short hike into the red sand dunes for a sunset ceremony over a glass of local wine. Then, head back to camp for dinner and settle in for the evening. Tonight, maybe join an optional stargazing and Bedouin experience, where your hosts will share stories and insights about navigating the desert by starlight.
- Saraya Rum Camp or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Wadi Rum - Sunset sand dune ceremony with local wine
- Petra - Al Madras Trail/ High Place of Sacrifice Guided Hike
- Wadi Rum - Arabian Desert 4x4 ride
- Wadi Rum - nighttime stargazing & Bedouin experience - USD70
Your hiking time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. The hike is rated as moderate, with around 175m/580ft of elevation gain.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2hours.
After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, you’ll travel back across the desert for the drive back up to Amman. On arrival, set off on one last walk around Jerash – once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world and still one of the best-preserved. Thanks to its location along the ancient spice and incense trade routes, Jerash flourished, reaching its peak around AD 130 when it became a favourite of Emperor Hadrian. Today, the ancient walled city offers a vivid glimpse into life 2000 years ago, with its impressive archways, theatres, public plazas and colonnaded streets. After exploring the ruins, you’ll travel back to the city. Tonight, you might like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – your leader will be happy to share the best recommendations of where to eat.
- Intercontinental Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Amman - Jerash Roman Ruins Guided walk
Your walking time today will be approximately 2-3 hours.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Private Van, 4WD jeep, on foot
Comfortable hotel (4 nights), Eco Lodge Feature Stay (1 night), Luxury Desert Camp Feature Stay (1 night)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Amman - Welcome Dinner at Fakhr El-Din Restaurant
- As-Salt - Cultural lunch with Umm Mohammad Amayreh
- As-Salt - Harmony Trail Guided Walk
- As-Salt - Wadi Shuaib Guided Hike
- Dead Sea - Local-led Zara Cliff Guided Walk
- Dana Biosphere Reserve - Dana to Feynan Guided Hike
- Petra - Little Petra archaeological site
- Petra - Petra archaeological site
- Petra - Petra back trail Guided hike (Inc. the Monastery & Treasury)
- Wadi Rum - Sunset sand dune ceremony with local wine
- Petra - Al Madras Trail/ High Place of Sacrifice Guided Hike
- Wadi Rum - Arabian Desert 4x4 ride
- Amman - Jerash Roman Ruins Guided walk
- Amman - Citadel (entrance) - JOD3
- Amman - Roman Theatre - JOD2
- Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) - JOD2
- Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - JOD3
- Wadi Rum - nighttime stargazing & Bedouin experience - USD70
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- This active hiking trip requires a good level of fitness, due to the varied terrain and potentially hot temperatures. Many of the hiking days involve hills and lots of steps that you'll need to be able to walk up and down. Walking times vary between three and six hours a day, but the rewards are worth every step.
- Most of the time there is no shade, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes. The hikes occur over a range of terrains, we recommend you consider packing trekking poles for the hikes.
- The feature stay desert camp in Wadi Rum is both comfortable and incredibly memorable. The high-end permanent tents have private ensuite western bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night, so remember to bring some warmer layers, especially if visiting outside of the summer months.
- Some trails will require unexpected maintenance throughout the year, requiring closure of the trail. If that is the case we will take an alternative trail with similar features, distances and elevation where possible.
- To get to the best hiking trails in the region you’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, but all in the comfort of our private vehicle.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Intercontinental Jordan (Amman)
Islamic College Street, Amman 11180
Amman
JORDAN
Dates and prices
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